NPP variation and its respond to precipitation change in potential extent of desertification in China during 2001–2010

The Net Primary Production (NPP) variation and its respond to precipitation change were analyzed in the general potential extent of desertification in China (PEDC) based on time series MODIS NDVI data and high-resolution meteorological data from 2001 to 2010. The results indicated that only 2.8% of general PEDC was significantly decreased and 6.8% of total area was significantly increased. So there are no clear evidences to verify that the annual NPP in general PEDC has greatly decreased or increased during last decade. 23.2% in NPP decreased areas and 23.1% in NPP increased areas are significantly correlated with precipitation. These indicated the vegetation degradation within general PEDC was possibly caused mainly by human activities, and the projects implemented for combating desertification in some areas have played an important role in vegetation rehabilitation.